Six High-Earning Careers That Are Within Reach

Looking to move up and earn more? These six positions could be within reach.

By Anne Wynter

Maybe you're still working out exactly what you want to do with your
life, or perhaps you're looking to make a strategic career change.
Whatever the case may be, one thing is likely true: you want a job that
will put you in a comfortable financial position - whether that means
starting your child's college fund, taking some great vacations, or
purchasing your dream home.
The good news is there are careers in a variety of fields that pay
median salaries of $80,000 and up. But before you start browsing job
listings, keep in mind that these aren't entry-level positions. Many of
the careers require you to achieve a certain level of expertise or
possess several years of experience.
However, if one of these high-paying careers strikes a chord with
you, you might want to think about how to start working your way toward
it, so you could one day enjoy some handsome returns.

These days the words "cyber attack" have a way of striking fear in
the hearts of leaders and managers at all levels, whether they're
running a local bakery or the United States government. If you've got a
talent for tech and you're interested in earning more, pursuing a career
as an information security analyst could be a great option.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, information security
analysts stay informed about trends in cyber attacks and determine which
technology will protect companies and organizations from these threats.Why The Solid Earnings? Thanks to an increase in
cyber attacks and other types of technology terrorism, companies and
organizations need these professionals to anticipate and prevent these
threats, says Roy L. Cohen, a career counselor, executive coach and the
author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide: Success
Secrets of a Career Coach."Next step:Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.The Career Path: To go after one of these promising
positions, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science,
programming, or a similar area, notes the Department of Labor. Some
employers may prefer candidates with a master of business administration
in information systems. The Department also notes that information
security analysts usually need previous experience in a related
position.

Are you fired up about education? Do you get excited when you think
about helping hundreds or thousands of students achieve academic
success? If so, pursuing a career as a school principal could be a solid
choice for you.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a principal leads all the
teachers and staff members and measures the school's progress toward
meeting their goals and objectives.Why The Solid Earnings? Principals often have to
serve as jacks-of-all-trades, which is one reason they can pull in such
strong salaries. "Like CEOs, they oversee organizations made up of many
departments and numerous areas of expertise," says Cohen. "Their
performance is under constant surveillance to ensure that students
achieve pre-established standards and goals."Next step:Click to Find the Right Education Leadership Program.The Career Path: Most elementary, middle, and high
schools require principals to hold a master's degree in education
administration or education leadership, according to the Department of
Labor. If they plan to work in a public school, they're also required to
possess a state-specific school administrator license. Additionally,
the Department says many principals have work experience as teachers.

Do you find yourself trying to calculate the risk associated with
jaywalking across a major street? Are you constantly reminding your
friends that correlation does not equal causation? You might be cut out
for the high-paying career of actuary.
This career involves using statistical data and financial theory to
assess the risk that an event will occur and design business strategies,
such as insurance policies, to cut back on a company's risk, notes the
U.S. Department of Labor.Why The Solid Earnings? Actuaries must draw from
in-depth, advanced knowledge of mathematics and statistics to calculate
risk, Cohen notes. They are well paid because companies use actuarial
analysis to inform major decisions about capital and resources, he adds.Next step:Click to Find the Right Business Program. The Career Path: Ready to start crunching numbers?
If you want to pursue a career as an actuary, the Department of Labor
notes that you'll need a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, math,
statistics, or business. You may also be required to pass several
actuarial exams before working in this position.

Are you a creative type who loves to keep up with trends in new
services and products? Then you should consider pursuing the
high-earning role of marketing manager.
The U.S. Department of Labor notes that these professionals initiate
marketing research, estimate demand for products or services, create
pricing strategies, and monitor trends to determine whether new products
and services are needed.Why The Solid Earnings? Cohen notes that these
professionals "must be knowledgeable in a range of disciplines,
including both traditional product development and brand management as
well digital and social media strategy." Marketing managers use these
skills to increase a company's revenue and bottom-line performance, adds
Cohen, which is why employers are willing to compensate them with high
salaries.Next step:Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.The Career Path: If you want to get into this field,
you'll probably need to have a bachelor's degree, as according to the
Department of Labor, most marketing managers have one. While the
Department doesn't mention specific majors, coursework in management,
business law, accounting, finance, economics, math, and statistics are
advantageous. It also notes that these professionals often have job
experience in marketing, advertising, promotions, or sales.

If you like the thought of matching up professionals with the right
knowledge and skills they need to complete their jobs, you could be cut
out to pursue a lucrative career as a training and development manager.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, training and development
managers determine what kind of training employees need, develop and
evaluate various training programs, and ensure that the training and
development costs are under budget.Why The Solid Earnings? "Training and development
managers convey and cultivate skills to mid-level managers, directors,
and VP levels, helping save billions of corporate dollars in recruiting,
hiring, training and consulting expenses," notes Iqbal Atcha, a career
consultant and author of the book "The Diamond Factor." Because having
an effective training and developing manager in place can save a company
so much money, employers are willing to provide high salaries for these
professionals, he adds.Next step:Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.The Career Path: So what do you need in order to
pursue this position? The Department of Labor reports that a bachelor's
degree may be sufficient for many training and development manager
positions and that often these managers major in business
administration, human resources, or a related field. Some jobs may
require a master's degree, adds the Department.
You'll also need to come to the table with relevant work experience
as the Department says many positions require experience in a human
resources field, management, information technology, training and
development, or teaching.

So you're a natural leader with a knack for keeping track of all
those little details that other people tend to miss. If that's the case,
a high-paying career as an administrative service manager could be
right for you.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that administrative services
managers - sometimes called business office managers in small
organizations - take care of planning and coordinating all of those
support services of a business. This includes buying and distributing
office supplies, making sure the workplace is safe, overseeing equipment
maintenance, and supervising the administrative staff.Why The Solid Earnings? Atcha points out that
companies offer strong salaries to these professionals because they "not
only help save companies millions of dollars in waste, but [they] also
ensure compliance with federal, state, and industry investigators."Next step:Click to Find the Right Business Program.The Career Path: If this sounds like it's right up
your alley, the Department of Labor notes that employers typically
require candidates to hold a high school diploma or GED, although some
administrative services managers need at least a bachelor's degree.
Managers who pursue a bachelor's degree typically study business,
facility management, or engineering. Potential managers should also
possess experience that demonstrates their managerial skills.